Hitched

Melissa Bloom-Doerschuk and David Doerschuk initially met on Facebook. His sister recommended he add Melissa as a friend. After several attempts, she finally responded. Melissa knew what she was looking for, and David had it. Within five months, the two were engaged, and a year and a half later, they were married.

Amy Dalesandro set her wedding date for only two months after her engagement, so she called in a professional to plan the 150-person event. Damara Gerig, of re Inspired Bride, helped pick out the wedding colors, create a timeline, craft the wedding invitations and decorations for the ceremony and reception, book the venue and work with the photographer and caterer. On the big day, she was the first person at the church to set up and stayed to tear down.

The big, traditional-style wedding isn’t for everyone, and that’s completely OK. When it came time to plan my own wedding, I knew I didn’t want an extravagant affair. Austin and I had been to and been a part of enough traditional weddings in the past five years to know that something small and intimate was more our style.

Weddings are complicated. From plus-one invitations to picking the bridal party to discussing the budget, wedding etiquette can be tricky for the couple and their guests. And it doesn’t help that expectations are constantly evolving with technology and changing social norms.

After working together—and becoming close friends—at Sluggers and Putters for three summers, Skyler and Caitlin finally started dating in 2014. Something just clicked all of a sudden when Skyler went away for a trip to the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Tennessee with a group of his friends from college. Skyler texted and called Caitlin while he was away to tell her how exciting the festival was and how she should join in the fun next year.

Mandi Sponseller started her event design and rental business by renting decorations from her own wedding. And while her business still has a focus on rentals, it also has morphed into event design. Whiskey and Lace Events offers rentals, styling and day-of design, though not just for weddings.